Deer Fly Festival 25K Race Report August 30, 2008            Well we managed to muddle through yet another Deer Fly 25K here in Moss Bluff Louisiana.  The inaugural running was in 2005 and we intended this to be an annual event but we got “hurricaned” out in 2006 and nearly got “hurricaned” out this time as well!   With Gustav rolling up towards us through the Gulf and evacuation orders being issued, we only had about half the folks show up since some were packing, some were already on the road, and some were called to their roles in hurricane preparation, emergency response, etc.  We really lucked out in another sense, however, in that the day of the race we were informed when we entered the park that the park was being evacuated and closed at noon but it was still open and we could do our run.  I guess that means we started out just making the cutoff.  Familiar territory for me.   The morning was clear and relatively pleasant with the trails in great shape.  Most importantly, the deer flies were plentiful and they even brought a few of their mosquito friends.  So no dilly dallying around for us.  At 7:00 sharp with 11 folks at the starting line rarin’ to get swattin’, away they went like a thundering herd of nutria.   The RD was smart enough this year to volunteer to hang out and watch everyone’s stuff at the start/finish aid station and keep split times (and perhaps snack a bit on the munchies).    Way sooner than I was expecting we started getting folks coming in from the first out and back (8.8 miles).  Dan Smith was absolutely cooking and looked smooth as he came in at 1:20:40 holding a 9:10 pace.  Quick as a flash he was back out with a grin on his face - pausing only long enough to ask - “Were am I supposed to turn around?”.  The rest of the crew started trickling in shortly afterwards in various states of condition and needing various repairs (blisters, new shoes, electrolytes, etc).  Some were definitely running a better race than others since they were pacing themselves a bit better in the heat.  Starting too fast definitely caught up with almost everyone as evidenced by the splits.   First Female to come in from the first out and back was Jenna Trowell at 1:44:56.  Spending no time in the aid station she was back out carrying a bottle of water.  Maybe should have gotten two to go since she was leaving wet footprints from how much fluids she was losing.  Tamra Weemes was second female and came in  14 minutes behind Jenna but showed absolutely no interest in trying to pick up the pace to catch Jenna on the second loop.  Tamra - where IS that competitive spirit????   Last ones through after the first leg were the father daughter team of Paul and Tiffany Filler.  It was clear that it would be a knock down / drag out between these two for the much coveted DFL/DNQ medal.   Finishing the second leg and setting a new course record was Dan Smith at 2:19:37 which put him at a perfect 9:00 pace and a NEGATIVE SPLIT.  Completely unheard of in this heat and humidity.  I guess he was sandbagging the first loop sauntering along at a measly 9:10 pace!  Not too surprisingly, the finishing order for the other male participants changed quite a bit from first to second loops - strong evidence of those who paced themselves better.   First Female finisher was Jenna Trowell at 3:40:32 to set a new female course record.  Tamra managed to pick up a bit of time but not enough to catch Jenna.  She did report kicking a snake somewhere along the way, however, so I guess that counts for something.   Finally and most importantly, Paul and Tiffany fought it out to the bitter end with the Tiffster edging Paul out at the finish, leaving Paul with the bitter dregs of defeat - but also the much coveted DFL.DNQ medal.      After the race, about half the folks had to leave due to hurricane preparations so they were awarded their medals in the park and  we had a relatively small crowd convening at the race director’s house for sausages, hot dogs, beer, wine, tater salad, etc - all prepared by the lovely and talented Rebecca.  The medal award ceremony was held at some point before everyone went home, with the highlight occurring when Rebecca was awarded the  medal appropriately reading “Fly Cook 2008 - I Cook for the runs!”   Do-Overs (or is that "Deaux - Overs" down her in Cajun Country?)   Since we had about half the folks bail out due to the hurricane, we will likely have a “do-over” running at the end of September so they will have a second chance.  So far we have 5-6  of them re-signed up and I am hoping everyone who originally signed up and maybe even some who didn’t sign up originally make it to the do-over and the party afterwards.   Tamra did inform me that she was definitely coming to the do-over party afterwards - but it seems I don’t recall her saying anything about running it again...........   Eventually results from both events will be combined and reverently placed into the 2008 annals of the continuing Deer Fly saga.  But for now - “Swat ‘em if you got ‘em!”   Duane Lewis Race Director